NC Health Benefits Exchange Implementation.

This bill authorizes the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance to create and run a state-operated health insurance marketplace. It grants the commissioner the power to set rules, manage policies, and apply for federal funding to establish this exchange, while also allowing for the creation of an advisory committee to guide the process. The legislation clarifies that other state agencies cannot enter into contracts or commit resources for a federally facilitated exchange unless the General Assembly specifically approves it, reserving the state's right to decide its level of involvement. Additionally, the bill appropriates $100,000 in recurring funds starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the initial setup and ongoing operations of the new state-run system.